Can foreign soil be imported?

I. Legal Basis

Article 5 of the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Quarantine of Entry and Exit Animals and Plants" clearly states: "The state prohibits the entry of the following items: (4) Soil." 

The "List of Animals, Plants, Their Products and Other Quarantine Goods Prohibited from Being Carried or Shipped into the Country of the People's Republic of China" (Joint Announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the General Administration of Customs [2021] No. 470) stipulates that the 15th item under the "Other Quarantine Goods Category" directly includes "soil and organic cultivation media". Whether carried by oneself or sent by mail, even in small quantities, they are prohibited from entering. 

II. The Core Reasons for the Ban 

The "Biosecurity Law of the People's Republic of China" clearly stipulates that "efforts should be made to prevent and respond to the invasion of alien species". The "Entry-Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China" states that "prevent the introduction and export of animal infectious diseases, parasitic diseases, plant dangerous diseases, pests, weeds and other harmful organisms, protect agricultural, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery production, and human health." 

The soil may contain plant pathogens such as nematodes and fungi, and it may also be mixed with seeds of invasive alien species. It may also carry parasite eggs or pathogens, posing threats to agricultural and forestry production safety as well as human health. 

III. So, when dealing with foreign soil, what measures should be taken to ensure compliance? 

Before entering the country, check the "Customs Administration Official Website" and other official channels for the "List of Animals, Plants and Their Products and Other Quarantine Goods Prohibited from Being Carried or Shipped into the Country". Whether it's traveling abroad, studying abroad, or purchasing cross-border goods online, do not buy, carry or ship soil - even if it is labeled as "sterile organic soil", it still falls within the prohibited category. 

2. According to Article 9 of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Supervision of Baggage Items Entering and Leaving the Country": If an inbound traveler has any of the following circumstances, they must make a written declaration to the customs: 

(1) Carrying prohibited items for entry into the country; 

(2) Where the items carried exceed the permitted limits or quantities, or where licenses or other supporting documents are required; 

(3) Carrying plants, animals, animal products and other quarantine items; 

When entering or leaving the country through the locations that implement the "red-green channel" declaration system, if there are the above situations or if one is unclear about the customs regulations or does not know how to choose the channel, one should choose the "red channel". Other people entering or leaving the country can choose the "green channel". 

3. According to Article 12 of the "Customs Law of the People's Republic of China": "When customs officers perform their duties in accordance with the law, relevant units and individuals shall truthfully answer inquiries and cooperate. No unit or individual may obstruct such actions." If soil is accidentally carried and is discovered by customs during inspection, one must cooperate with the customs' requirements for handling the situation. The law stipulates that passengers have the "obligation to cooperate" and must not refuse customs inspection and handling.